*The Uncaptured Mind: Finding Freedom in a Digital World

Do you feel that your mind has been captured by your smartphone and social media apps?

Digital technology permeates nearly every aspect of our lives, providing wonderful opportunities, but all too often leading us into a fog of confusion and negativity. And now many of us are interacting daily with AI: human-imitating language models that are reshaping our minds in ways we don’t fully understand.

The Uncaptured Mind Course uses Buddhist teachings and modern tools, to help us utilise digital technology more wisely, understand our minds more deeply, and clear the way for a more creative, meaningful life.

Course Description

This course uses our relationship to screens as a practical starting point from which to explore the Buddha’s teachings on the mind.

First we will cultivate awareness -- noticing what our tendencies are and how it feels to reach for distraction. Applying the teachings and practising meditation, we will explore our reactive patterns and discover a way to freedom.

Then, for a three-week trial period, we will set up an intentionally simpler lifestyle. In the space that opens up, we will rediscover how we really want to be spending our time -- and get a taste of the vast potential of human consciousness.

Finally, based on our experience in the three week trial, and on a deepened awareness of how our mind works, we can set realisable, forward-looking guidelines to help use digital technology more wisely and create the space for a more creative life.

Course Outline

Each week will include a short meditation, practical and Buddhist teachings, and group discussion. Participants will be provided with detailed guidance and workbook to track personal progress.

Week One

Becoming aware of our personal use of digital technology and its effects. Learning how social media hijacks our minds.

Week Two

Disconnect to reconnect. Beginning a three week trial with a more digitally free lifestyle. Learning how to open the space to live more fully.

Week Three

Practical methods to help weaken the grip of digital platforms. Recognising the value of time spent doing nothing.

Week Four

Appreciating the difference in quality of communication as between online and in-person interactions. Shifting the balance towards more in-person conversations.

Week Five

Using what has been learnt from the three week disconnect to reconnect programme to put together personal technology guidelines to carry forward, including specific suggestions for online interactions.

Week Six

An opportunity to review what has been learnt from the course, and to consider activities and Buddhist practices that can help to make the most of a better balanced life.

Is this course for me?

If you're a human being with a smartphone, you'll get something from the course. You don't need any prior experience of Buddhism or meditation to join. If you do have more experience, then you'll explore the Buddha’s teachings from a new perspective and deepen your understanding while addressing a common challenge to practice.